In finding the correct school options, the company you keep is most important, and so many great partnerships are created here in Berlin with international as well as domestic schools and programs. Steve Blanchard of Wasatch Academy and Tom Sheppard of Robert Lewis Stevenson and myself had time to spend during this conference to fill me in on the new construction at both of their schools. As a TASIS alumnus, it was great to connect with admissions, Helen Roowalla and learn she is a Banana Slug!

Something to yodel about here in Switzerland with a new partners from our Oct 2011 WEBA event. Beyond the Swiss cow bells and chocolate, one thing is clear: For those who allow themselves to think outside the box, there are international educational opportunities at a reasonable investment with life long payoff. Keep in mind with British and EU programs there is the heavy reliance on “practical” application, i.e., jobs. No matter what higher education promises in the US, ask about the statistics of job placements and how they track that information. It’s not only in the UK or EU. At record pace, the Chinese are designing universities with British and American help, and hiring those graduates. Give us that opportunity to introduce you to some options you might not otherwise have considered. For international business focus, think about learning another language and the cultural and vocational opportunities that can emerge from such a commitment. For example, how about a small group French course in Lausanne in a two or three week course, and putting that on your resume?

If you have the chance to visit the Grand Canyon, do it. The North Rim in October is a perfect time. In visiting with wilderness staff from Wingate the importance of experiencing the expanse of nature for youth is the perfect window of opportunity for treatment. The Grand Canyon is a metaphor for deep the abyss can run between parents and their son or daughter, and wilderness treatment can be an incredibly healing solution. However, let’s be clear: It’s more than the geography, it’s the trained and licensed staff. Dr Burdick only uses wilderness programs that visibly promote their licensure and ongoing training, and Wingate is a partner from that perspective. Their use of Native American culture is fundamental to their mission of rebuilding spirit and meaning for families, as their therapists and field staff support the work of the youth in outdoor setting. Ask yourself: Could my daughter / son use a “jump start” in rebuilding their lives and relationships? Let us help you today to start the solution.

It’s all about perspective, isn’t it. In finding the “best fit” for my clients there is literally nowhere in the world I won’t go to find the best program for an individual, and in this case — Argentina. Why Argentina? Simply, it is more in concert with the european standards that many westerners can appreciate, and at the same time it retains it’s southern hemisphere uniqueness. Young men and women can find exceptional opportunities to strengthen themselves. They can discover a cultural heritage unlike they’ve previously known, and find new opportunity. I am happy to share the world of possibilities that I have discovered with my clients, and the new knowledge and perspective I gained from my colleagues at the 15th World conference in Buenos Aires.

True to my word, I tour the programs where I place my clients and meet with staff to ensure that each and every one of my clients are meeting their education and therapeutic goals. Now, be sure, this is not necessarily the case with other “consultants”. Many have never met their clients, preferring to only meet in the office or over the phone. Many don’t travel due to hassles, exorbitant travel costs, and “tight schedules”. In my mind, the mission is “fit” in programs, and how does one do this from the comfort of one’s office chair? True, airplane seats are not the most comfortable, and the food’s not so good (if at all). Yet, in the end, the “smile” on the face of the client and staff that I traveled 3,000 or 11,000 miles to meet makes it “all worth it” and knowing that they are getting the “best care” possible. Not all consultants aim true in this mission. Now off to tour 7 programs in Washington & Idaho!